A careful and strict enquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that freedom of…

Besides this more usual and proper Signification of the Word Action, there are other Ways in which the Word is used that are less proper, which yet have Place in common Speech. Oftentimes 'tis used to signify some Motion or Alteration in inanimate Things, with Relation to some Object and Effect. So the Spring of a Watch is said to act upon the Chain and Wheels; the Sun-beams, to act upon Plants and Trees; and the Fire, to act upon Wood. Sometimes the Word is used to signify Motions, Alterations, and Exertions of Power, which are seen in corporeal Things, considered absolutely; especially when these Motions seem to arise from some internal Cause which is hidden; so that they have a greater Resemblance of those Motions of our Bodies, which are the Effects of internal Volition, or invisible Exertions of Will. So the Fermentation of Liquor, the Operations of the Lodestone, and of electrical Bodies, are called the Action of these Things. And sometimes the Word Action is used to signify the Exercise of Thought, or of Will and Inclination: so meditating, loving, hating, inclining, disinclining, choosing and refusing, may be sometimes called acting; tho' more rarely (unless it be by Philosophers and Metaphysicians) than in any of the other Senses.

Besides this more usual and proper Signification of the Word Action, there are other Ways in which the Word is used that are less proper, which yet have Place in common Speech. Oftentimes 'tis used to signify some Motion or Alteration in inanimate Things, with Relation to some Object and Effect. So the Spring of a Watch is said to act upon the Chain and Wheels; the Sun-beams, to act upon Plants and Trees; and the Fire, to act upon Wood. Sometimes the Word is used to signify Motions, Alterations, and Exertions of Power, which are seen in corporeal Things, considered absolutely; especially when these Motions seem to arise from some internal Cause which is hidden; so that they have a greater Resemblance of those Motions of our Bodies, which are the Effects of internal Volition, or invisible Exertions of Will. So the Fermentation of Liquor, the Operations of the Loadstone, and of electrical Bodies, are called the Action of these Things. And sometimes the Word Action is used to signify the Exercise of Thought, or of Will and Inclination: so meditating, loving, hating, inclining, disinclining, chusing and refusing, may be sometimes called acting; tho' more rarely (unless it be by Philosophers and Metaphysicians) than in any of the other Senses.